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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Head coach James Franklin provided an update to the media following Wednesday's practice session at the Lasch Football Complex. The Nittany Lions host Temple at noon (ESPN2) on Saturday.

Temple | Beaver Stadium | 12 p.m. | ESPN2UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn
State takes a break from its Big Ten schedule on Saturday to face Temple in an
in-state battle. Learn more about the Owls in this week's scouting report.

Matt Rhule, a State College native and former Penn State linebacker from 1994-'97,
leads the Owls. Rhule is in his second year as head coach and his eighth season
in the Temple program. He is 7-14 overall at Temple. The Owls were 2-10 overall
and 1-7 in the American Athletic Conference in 2013. They returned 34
letterwinners and 12 starters.

Temple is 5-4 overall and 3-3 in the AAC this year. They fell, 16-13, against
Memphis last week on a field goal as time expired. The Owls gained 298 yards on
offense, including 158 yards on the ground. Quarterback P.J. Walker completed
16-of-37 passes for 140 yards and an interception. He also ran for 28 yards on
nine carries. Kenneth Harper gained 116 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries,
including a 75-yard run in the first quarter. Jalen Fitzpatrick led the team
with five receptions for 64 yards.

The Owls allowed 312 yards, including 230 passing. Linebacker Nate Smith
recorded nine tackles, all solo. Fellow linebacker Tyler Matakevich added eight
tackles, seven solo. Cornerback Sean Chandler made six stops, one for loss, and
forced a fumble. End Praise Martin-Oguike had four tackles and a sack.

The Temple offense averages 27.6 points per game, ranking 75th in the nation. They
also average 315.4 total yards per contest, 196.7 yards through the air and
118.8 on the ground.

Walker has completed 54 percent of his passes for 1,679 yards, 11 touchdowns
and 10 interceptions. He has also gained 183 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns.

Sophomore Jahad Thomas leads the Owls with 371 yards rushing (5.2 ypc). Thomas,
5-foot-10, also has 10 receptions for 259 yards and a touchdown. Senior Kenneth
Harper, 6-foot, 225-pounds, has 263 yards and five touchdowns on 67 carries. He
also has 130 yards and a touchdown on 18 catches.

The receiving unit is led by Fitzpatrick, a 5-foot-11 senior, who has 37
catches for 512 yards and five scores, averaging nearly 14 yards per catch. John
Christopher has 20 catches for 140 yards, while Shippen has eight receptions
for 118 yards and a touchdown.

The Owls offensive line includes a redshirt junior, a junior, a redshirt
sophomore, a sophomore and a redshirt freshman. Center Kyle Friend leads the
group with 30 straight starts. Friend was selected midseason first-team All-AAC
by Phil Steele.

Temple is very strong on the defensive side of the ball, allowing only 18.1
points per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. They also rank 41st in total
defense, allowing 364.2 yards per contest, and 29th in passing defense, giving
up 200.7 yards per game. The Owls have forced 25 turnovers this year, tied for
seventh in the nation, and have six defensive touchdowns (No. 2 in the nation).

Junior tackle Matt Ioannidis anchors the defensive line. The 6-foot-4,
285-pound Ioannidis has 38 tackles, 20 solo, nine for loss and 3.5 sacks. He
also has three pass breakups. End Praise Martin-Oguike has made 30 stops this
year, with 22 solo, seven for loss and 5.5 sacks, while also forcing five
fumbles. Fellow end Sharif Finch has 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two forced
fumbles and an interception that he returned 65 yards for a touchdown against Delaware
State.

Weakside linebacker Tyler Matakevich leads the team with 83 tackles, including
65 solo, ranking fifth in the country in solo stops. Matakevich also has 5.5
tackles for loss, a sack, three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. Middle
linebacker Nate Smith has 61 tackles, with 39 solo, two for loss and an
interception.

Cornerback Tavon Young leads the team with three interceptions. He has totaled
128 return yards off of interceptions and returned a pick 93 yards for a
touchdown against UConn. Cornerback Sean Chandler has 53 tackles, with 40 solo,
three for loss and five pass breakups. Safeties Alex Wells and Jihaad Pretlow
have 36 and 32 tackles, respectively.

Penn State is 38-3-1 all-time against Temple, on the field. The Nittany Lions
earned a 24-13 win at Beaver Stadium in 2012.

What Matt Rhule is saying about Penn
State:

"I moved (to State College) my junior year of high school. My dad was
originally from there and we went there to be closer to his family. It's a
great town, with great people, a great high school, great friends... It really
comes alive when there is a football game being played...I remember the town
being electric. Growing up there were some great games that I had a chance to
see."

"Offensively, you start with Christian Hackenberg, he's as good of a
quarterback as there is in the country. He has tremendous arm talent, he's
extremely smart, can make every throw and will challenge you down the field.
DaeSean Hamilton is a tremendous receiver, Bill Belton at running back and
receiver Saeed Blacknall is really coming on for them right now, so you can see
that he's another weapon for them."

"[Bob] Shoop's done a great job with that defense. They basically shut out
Indiana last week, so you see why they're so effective in what they do. They
have a lot of great players on defense, but the one that really stands out to
me is [Anthony] Zettel inside. He's probably the best defensive lineman we'll
face this year, he's a three-technique and extremely active. They have a lot of
high end guys like Adrian Amos at safety and Mike Hull, who is another great
Penn State linebacker."

Contributions on all of the
2014 Opponent Previews provided by GoPSUsports.com Student Writer Paul Marboe.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
The Nittany Lions (5-4, 2-4) return home on Saturday for an intra-state matchup
against Temple (5-4, 3-3 AAC) at noon (ESPN2).

Head coach James Franklin reviewed Saturday's victory over Indiana and previewed
the matchup against the Owls on Tuesday afternoon inside the Beaver Stadium
Media Room.

Behind a dominant day from the Penn State defense and a 92-yard touchdown run
from Bill Belton, the Nittany Lions topped Indiana on Saturday by a score of
13-7. No strangers to tight games, the win at Indiana marked Penn State's sixth
game out of nine this season decided by six points or fewer.

"I think to me this is what you want to do. You want to find ways to win close
games," Franklin said. "We were able to do that early in the year. Then we had
a couple of games we didn't. Now we're getting back into that again. So I'm
pleased with the guys... I sure would love to have a little bit more breathing
room in there. But I think these tough games and emotional games build
character, and that's why we do this in the first place."

This week, the Nittany Lion offense will face a stiff test against a Temple
defensive unit that is among the nation's leaders in forcing turnovers. Through
nine games, the Owls have forced 25 turnovers (17 fumbles and 8 interceptions)
and scored six defensive touchdowns. The Lions emphasize ball security with a
turnover circuit on offense every day on the practice field, and Saturday will
be a test.

"Watching them on film, they do all the things that we preach all the time as
well, which is playing hard and running to the ball," Franklin said. "When you
have an opportunity to be aggressive and make a play on the ball in the air, go
after the ball. When you're making a tackle, secure the tackle first, and the
next two or three guys coming in to strip the ball out. It's offensive linemen
sustaining blocks so that defenders can't fall into plays. It's getting the
offense to cover down so that if a ball does come out, the offensive line and
other people are in position to pick it up. It's all of those things."

On defense, the Nittany Lion defensive line has been instrumental in the team's
success this season. Ranked third in the nation in total defense, the Lions
have played at a consistently high level for nine weeks. The first team
defensive line unit gets a great deal of credit for its efforts, but the depth of
the line is what separates the Lions from most units in the Big Ten. The
Nittany Lions have made 39.5 TFL from defensive line positions this season.

"You look at our two deep on the defensive line, I think you could make the
argument it's one of the better in the Big Ten in terms of a two deep," said
Franklin. "Having a two‑deep at defensive line and rotating those guys and
keeping them fresh and active I think has been really helpful."

Saturday's game will honor the men and women in the military. With it being Military
Appreciation Day, Penn State again took part in a "Seats for Soldiers" campaign
where Penn State fans donated more than 6,000 tickets to active-duty and
veteran military personnel, along with their families.

"I love the fact that the Penn State community with Military Appreciation Day
has donated over 6,000 tickets to active‑duty and veteran military personnel
and their families for the Seats for Soldiers program, which is great," said
Franklin.

The Nittany Lions and Owls are slated for a noon kick on Saturday in a series
that dates back to 1931.

Press Conference Notes- Franklin on the Temple offense:
"You look at their play makers, P.J. Walker, their quarterback is the guy that
kind of stands out to you. He can make plays with his feet as well as his arm.
Running back, they've got Jahad Thomas, who is 5-10, 170-pound guy that can
make you miss and take it the distance. Then they've got Kenneth Harper, the
big number, No. 4, 6-foot, 225-pound that tries to pound you. Then Jalen
Fitzpatrick has over 500 yards and five touchdowns this year, their biggest
receiver."

- Franklin on the Temple defense:
"They do a great job. They're a 4-3 defense, but there will be games that
they'll come out and play 3-4. They'll be 4-3 the first half, and then they'll
be 3-4 the second half. They play a lot of different looks. They play a lot of
different coverages. They've improved dramatically from year one to year two. Play
hard nose, run to the ball. They're No. 7 in the nation in turnovers gained. No.
1 in the country in fumbles caused. 17 recovered fumbles. They've got eight
interceptions. They're number two in the nation in defensive touchdowns. We've
talked about that already. Really impressed. They're No. 7 in the nation in red
zone defense, and No. 10 in the nation in scoring defense. So they're playing
really well."

- Franklin on the Temple special teams:
"On special teams, they
play really hard. I've already mentioned that they've got three special teams
touchdowns as well as four blocked kicks. So I've been very, very impressed
with them. I've been very impressed with them all year long, and looking
forward to the opportunity."

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Senior Bill Belton etched
his place in Penn State history on Saturday when he raced 92 yards for a
touchdown in the 13-7 victory at Indiana.

Belton's play was the longest rushing score by a Penn State player in school
history. The touchdown equaled the longest offensive touchdown in program
history.

Belton finished the day with a season-high 137 yards on 16 carries in
Bloomington. The New Jersey native now has four 100-yard rushing games in
school history.

"The line did a great job up front giving me a seam to get through," Belton
said. "I was able to get through basically untouched...Don't get caught from
behind was the only thing that was going through my mind. I was able to get to
the end zone, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to score."

Belton's score was the fourth Penn State offensive play of 90 yards or more.
The three longest offensive plays in school history are all 92 yards (two runs
and one pass). Here is a look at the 10 longest plays in Penn State's offensive
history (8 runs and 2 passes).

Penn State hosts Temple in the final non-conference game of the season on
Saturday at noon (ESPN2).

Lions Among Nation's Elite on DefenseAfter another stifling effort on the road at Indiana, Penn State's defense
is one of just four units in America that ranks in the top 10 nationally in
total, scoring and rushing defense (Alabama, Louisville and Wisconsin). Through
nine games, the Nittany Lions have allowed 85.6 rushing yards per game, which
leads the nation. Additionally, the Lions remain third nationally in total
defense. Penn State opponents have accounted for 267.6 yards of total offense
against the Lions this season. The Lions are ranked sixth nationally in scoring
defense (16.6 ppg).
Lions in the Stat RankingsSeveral Nittany Lions remain among the leaders in national and conference
statistical categories. Here is a weekly breakdown of Penn State players in the
stat rankings:

QB Christian Hackenberg - Hackenberg is second in the Big Ten in passing yards
(2,038) and passing yards per game (245.1 ypg). The sophomore is leading the
conference in completions per game (21.67).

WR DaeSean Hamilton - Hamilton is 11th nationally (first in the Big Ten) in receptions
per game (7.1). He ranks 25th in the nation and third in the Big Ten in receiving
yards per game at 84.6.

LB Mike Hull - Hull leads the Big Ten and is ninth in the nation in tackles
(11.0 per game). He is second in the Big Ten and 15th nationally in solo tackles
per game at 6.2.

K Sam Ficken - Ficken is third in the nation and first in the Big Ten in field
goals made per game at 2.11.

Early Look at the OwlsOn the heels of a narrow loss to Memphis (16-13), Temple heads to Beaver
Stadium this week with a 5-4 overall record. The Owls beat then-21st-ranked
East Carolina (20-10) two weeks ago.

Among the nation's leaders in scoring defense (10th - 18.1 ppg), the Owls are
led by a unit that has forced 25 turnovers in 2014 (7th in the nation). Temple has
six defensive touchdowns in nine games, which ranks second in the nation.
Additionally, the Owls have blocked four kicks this season.

Linebacker Tyler Matakevich leads the Owl defense with 83 tackles this season.
He also has 5.5 TFL and has recovered two fumbles.

Temple is under the direction of second-year head coach and Penn State
letterman Matt Rhule. Rhule, a State College native, was a member of the
Nittany Lion program from 1994-'97.
Penn State and Temple will meet for 43rd time on Saturday. The Nittany Lions
are 38-3-1 all-time against the Owls.

He wants the Nittany Lions to play with relentless pursuit and never-ending
pressure.

Those two things could not be more evident than when Penn State opponents face
a third down.

The Nittany Lions do not sit back and hope to prevent opposing offenses from
moving the first down sticks. They attack, and they do it from all angles in a
swarming fashion.

Penn State's stifling defense limited Indiana to 3-for-17 on third down during
Saturday's 13-7 win in Bloomington. With Saturday's effort, the Nittany Lions
are now ranked eighth in the nation in third down defense. Opponents are a
combined 42-of-138 on third down (30 percent) in 2014.

In the six Big Ten games this season, the Lions have limited their opponents
to 29-of-95 on third down (30.5 percent). That mark includes a combined 4-of-31
during the past two games (12.9 percent).

A number of factors contribute into Penn State's success on third down this
season, but keeping opponents to third-and-long situations plays a big role in
the team's ability to bring pressure from a variety of places, thus forcing
offenses in to uncomfortable situations.

In Saturday's case, the Nittany Lions set out to limit Indiana running back
Tevin Coleman, who came into the game as the nation's leading rusher at 162
yards per game. Coleman gained 71 yards on 20 carries (3.5 avg.), which broke a
streak of 10-consecutive games of 100 yards or more.

"We just wanted to stay gap accountable to make sure everyone fit in the right
spot on every single play," senior linebacker Mike Hull said. "They are the
type of team that goes two yards, three yards and then (Coleman goes) 80 yards,
so we knew that we just had to stay focused all game."

By limiting the Indiana ground attack, the Lions made the Hoosiers
one-dimensional on third down. But it all started with the defense's ability to
stay disciplined against a dynamic running back.

"He's a great back. He's a big kid with great speed, but it came down to
everyone doing their job," junior defensive tackle Anthony Zettel said. "For us
to hold him to 70 yards was great for us, and we are happy with the outcome."
Simply put, the Nittany Lions have been dominant on the defensive side of the
ball, and the unit's confidence level seemingly grows every week.

"It's a lot of fun (playing on this defense)," senior safety Adrian Amos said.
"It's always fun when you are good (laughter). We are playing well, and Coach
Shoop makes the perfect play calls. And we are clicking this year."

Penn State's third down success is one of six statistical categories that the
Lions rank in the top 10 nationally in. The list includes No. 1 in the nation
against the run (85.6 ypg), No. 3 in the nation in total defense (267.6 ypg)
and No. 6 in the nation in scoring defense (16.6 ppg).

Indiana's offense had the ball 15 times on Saturday. Penn State forced the
Hoosiers to punt 11 times, tallied two interceptions, stopped IU on downs and
held IU to a missed field goal (51 yards).

"The defensive line played great, and it starts up front with those guys and
Mike Hull's unit making so many tackles," Amos said. "We've been playing really
well, and it starts up front."

With nine games in the record books for 2014, the Nittany Lions focus towards
the 10th game on the schedule. Penn State and Temple will collide in Beaver
Stadium on Saturday at noon (BTN). While the opponent changes, the same
relentless mindset remains the same on defense.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Nittany Lions moved to 5-4 on the season with a
13-7 victory on Saturday at Indiana. Bill Belton's 92-yard touchdown run and a
stifling effort from the Penn State defense fueled the Lions past the Hoosiers
in Memorial Stadium. Hear from several Nittany Lions following the victory
here.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Welcome to GoPSUsports.com's live, interactive
coverage of the 2014 football season. Tune in for live blog coverage from all
12 games on the schedule. For the second-straight season, the Nittany Lions travel to Indiana.